The more recent numbers are weaker, with construction dropping 0.1 per cent in the month of August. The ONS says that decrease was apparent in both new work and repair & maintenance.

Jeremy Cook, chief economist at World First says that the "summer of Strong UK data has suddenly come to an end" and that "the fall in construction output will give succour to those of the economic and political fraternity who believe that a marked increase in residential housing pressures are just around the corner".